The training camp rolled on.
This time, Link led his team against Curry. Link stood opposite him, taking on the primary defensive assignment. He wanted to experience firsthand what level this shooter—who would one day change the basketball world—was currently at.
First possession, Curry had the ball.
He didn't have Westbrook's explosive first step; his dribble was a bit high, and the rhythm wasn't exactly lightning-fast. But the ball seemed glued to his hand, doing exactly what he wanted.
Curry hit Link with two quick between-the-legs dribbles, his body swaying left and right. Link spread his arms, smothering Curry's driving lane.
Seeing he couldn't shake the defense, a teammate came up to set a screen for Curry.
The moment the screen hit, Link hesitated—should he switch or fight over it?
That split-second gap was all it took. Curry didn't drive. Instead, he took a side-step to the left, and from a full step behind the three-point line, he pulled up and fired!
Curry's shot wasn't textbook form. His power came from a low center of gravity. The jump and the release were blended into one motion. Visually, it looked more like he was pushing the ball.
The advantage? Speed.
Curry's release was way faster than the average NBA player, making him a nightmare to guard.
Link realized something was wrong the moment he hesitated. He could only throw a hand up symbolically. The ball traced a high arc, spinning fast—a precision-guided rainbow.
Swish!
Nothing but net. A crisp, clean sound.
In the basketball context of 2006, this kind of shot selection seemed bold, maybe even unreasonable.
Change of possession, Link's team on offense.
Curry picked him up aggressively.
Link didn't force an isolation play; that wasn't his strong suit. After running through a few quick cross-screens with his teammates, Link used his height advantage to rise up for a pull-up jumper.
It was a stark contrast to Curry.
Link's form was textbook—the kind any coach would nod at in approval.
Curry tried hard on defense, but the natural height difference meant he couldn't effectively contest it.
Swish!
Good!
Link answered with a three of his own.
The next possession, Curry showed a different side of his game.
He brought the ball up past half-court. This time, Link stuck to him like glue, fighting over screens to deny him any easy airspace.
Curry passed the ball to the wing and immediately started moving without it.
He faked a cut toward the baseline, then suddenly changed direction, using a back-screen to curl out to the wing at a 45-degree angle. The pass arrived right on time.
Link got hung up on the screen for a split second before lunging out. By the time Curry caught the ball, Link's long arm was already in his face.
But Curry didn't hesitate. He caught, raised his release point, and fired.
Swish!
Another three!
Link mentally tipped his cap. That ability to catch and fire instantly after running off screens? Link only acquired that after endless grinding with his [Hell Mode Training System]. But for Curry, it seemed innate. That touch was already his standard weapon.
More importantly, his release speed and consistency were almost immune to defensive pressure.
The game continued at a breakneck pace.
Link kept responding with off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot buckets. Curry kept dishing out dimes, setting up teammates for backdoor cuts.
It was a tight, spectacular battle.
Link had played against Russell Westbrook before; that felt like dealing with pure, explosive force. Facing Curry was a completely different beast. Curry's fluidity, wild creativity, and lethal shooting were even harder to guard.
In the end, Link's team squeaked out a narrow victory.
Curry was gasping for air, his jersey soaked in sweat. His eyes held a mix of defiance and a trace of confusion.
On the final possession, his signature move—a step-back three over Link to win the game—had missed. His best weapon hadn't secured the win this time.
After practice, the players headed to the showers.
Link stayed behind to stretch and saw Curry alone with a ball. He was at the spot where he missed the game-winner, repeating the shooting motion over and over. Occasionally, he'd stop and frown at his follow-through.
Link picked up a ball and walked over. "Overtime?"
Curry saw it was Link and smiled sheepishly.
"Yeah. I just felt like my body wasn't stable enough on that release, especially with you in my face."
"That's normal, Stephen," Link said, sitting down nearby. "You're already incredible, but your core strength just needs a bit more stability."
Curry sat down too. "Thanks. But, Link... this playstyle feels too risky."
He paused, his voice dropping. "My coach told me my shot relies too much on 'touch' and that my form breaks down under high pressure. He suggested I change my shooting mechanics."
Link listened quietly.
He knew Curry was telling the truth. In his past life, even though Curry was a high draft pick, he wasn't considered a top-tier franchise cornerstone for exactly this reason. The NBA back then prioritized raw physical traits and athleticism.
"What do you think?" Link asked.
"I don't know." Curry shook his head. "I don't have Russell's body, so I have to use rhythm to create space."
"As for the shooting form..." He lifted the ball, mimicking a quick push-shot. "This is how I've shot since I was a kid. Changing it might not make me any better."
Link looked at the skinny, baby-faced kid in front of him. He felt like he was looking at the future "Baby-Faced Assassin" who would spark a three-point revolution. The pioneer who single-handedly launched the small-ball era was currently sitting here, lost in doubt.
Link thought for a moment, then spoke seriously. "Stephen, listen to me. Ignore the noise. Stick to your game."
"That is your gift. A talent unique in this entire league. As for the doubts..." Link pointed to the empty court. "This league only remembers winners. How you win doesn't matter."
"Your skills, your handle, and especially your release speed and touch—those are gifts no one else has."
"You can build a stronger body in the gym. But that shooting touch and the guts to take those shots? You can't train that."
Curry looked up. "You really believe that?"
"I'm certain," Link said firmly.
"Stick with it. Not everyone has to be Jordan or Kobe. You can just be Stephen Curry."
Curry stayed silent for a moment, then nodded vigorously. "Thanks, Link. That means a lot."
"It's a long road." Link stood up and patted him on the shoulder.
"Stay healthy, stay confident. I'm looking forward to facing you on an NBA court. It's going to be fun."
"Same here!" Curry stood up too, his eyes bright again.
Link watched Curry grab the ball and head back onto the court for more reps. That slightly slight frame seemed to hold the power to change an era.
He turned to leave, his mind drifting to his bet with Kobe.
"Who wins a championship first..." Link murmured, a smile touching the corner of his mouth.
He knew he was going to win that bet.